So many personal injury lawyers talk about all of their successful settlements and big jury verdicts. But here’s the truth – sometimes a case doesn’t go our way and the client does not get the outcome they were hoping for when they decided to pursue damages through a personal injury lawsuit. is not what you were hoping for? It’s a very difficult situation, but an adverse decision isn’t the end of the fight.

The law provides an avenue for appeal in most civil cases if you or the defendant chooses to exercise that option. But in order for this request to be granted, your attorney must have adequate grounds for appeal. Grounds means that some part of the case or proceedings deserves to be reviewed by a higher court. (Dissatisfaction with a verdict is not adequate grounds for appeal.)

It is important to keep in mind that just because you appeal a verdict, another court may deny that appeal – often without a solid reason. Even if your appeal is successful, the higher court may simply order a new trial instead of rewarding you more money – meaning you’ll have to start the entire legal process over again.

That’s why you may want to consider forgoing an appeal of your trial’s outcome – especially if you received some amount of compensation from the original verdict. Given the amount of time the legal process has taken out of your normal life already, it may be best for you and your family to put the ordeal behind you and go on with your life.

This is where the expertise of your personal injury attorney is especially valuable. If we believe you have a solid chance of getting a better outcome by filing an appeal, the additional time and effort (and legal fees) may be worth it. On the other hand, if an appeal probably won’t change the result, then you should consider accepting the verdict and move on. But even though your attorney can offer you advice on whether or not to appeal, the decision is ultimately yours to make.